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Bleeding the Master Cylinder

I highly recommend this procedure after a master cylinder installation or any time you accidentally suck air into the master cylinder. If you bleed your master cylinder you will minimize the amount of air you push through the brake lines and ABS during normal bleeding. If you don't do this you may have a really tough time (and use lots of brake fluid) getting the air out of the brake system--you may suffer a spongy brake pedal for years!. This procedure is well worth $10 and a little time.

Bleeding the Honda S2000 Master Cylinder and ABS

 

master_cyln_bleed.jpg (21823 bytes)

Bleeding the Mazda 929 MC, notice the red plugs on the brake pipes to prevent leakage

I got my master cylinder bleeding kit at Mechanics Auto Parts, HELP! part # 13999, Metric Master Cylinder Bleeder Kit, $9.49. The kit consists of several plastic fittings and rubber hose. HELP! also sells an assortment of rubber plugs that can be used to plug your disconnected brake lines.
Disconnect the brake lines at the master cylinder (for most cars) or at the ABS output (for the S2000). Put a rubber plug on the disconnected brake line to prevent leakage and minimize the amount of air that gets into the lines. Screw the correct size metric adapter from the Master Cylinder Bleeder Kit into the exposed fitting. The S2000 takes a 10mm x 10. Lubricate the part of the adapter that holds the hose with some brake fluid--make sure the hose is completely secure, you don't want it to pop off when you pump the brakes. Run the hose into the brake fluid reservoir and make sure the hose is submerged in the fluid. I used the kit's gauge to hold the lines in place (see photo above).
Smoothly pump the brake pedal once or twice and check for any leaks. Then pump more until no bubbles come out of the hose in the reservoir then pump some more. When finished reconnect the brake lines and be careful not to cross-thread the brake line nuts. Pump the brake line a few times and hold hard pressure for a while then check all connections for leaks.
You will need to bleed your brake lines after bleeding the master cylinder.
Rob

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